ABC STUDENT CHAPTER HANDBOOK
Haley Moyers [email protected]
The ABC Student Chapter Program is a dynamic network of more than 35 colleges and universities offering construction-related degree programs nationwide. At the local level, student
chapters facilitate the interaction of ABC member firms, construction faculty and college students through a variety of industry association and school events, including regular
membership meetings, guest speakers, internships, community service projects, fundraisers, career fairs/career awareness events, job site tours, and other activities.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction Page 2
About ABC Page 3
• ABC Code of Ethics Page 4
• ABC Antitrust Policy Page 5
• Principles of the Merit Shop Page 6
Forming a Student Chapter Page 7
• Membership Benefits Page 9
• Meeting Guidelines & Tips Page 12
• Organizational Programs Page 13
• Student Chapter Goals Page 14
Student Chapter Officers Page 15
• Qualifications Page 15
• Titles and Duties Page 16
• Additional Leadership Positions & Committees Page 20
Awards and Competitions Page 21
• Construction Management Competition Page 21
• Student Chapter of the Year Award Page 22
List of Current Student Chapters Page 23
ABC National Staff Contact Information Page 23
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INTRODUCTION
ABC student chapters are established to gather, receive and disseminate information and
knowledge of the construction industry. They provide hands-on experience, advice and guidance
to members to prepare them for careers in construction. The Student Chapters’ goal is to study
and develop an understanding of the merit shop and free-enterprise philosophies of ABC, as well
as the issues important to the construction industry, through active association involvement.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Student Chapter Handbook is designed to help
the student chapter officers, members and faculty advisors successfully operate an ABC student
chapter. It offers basic information about ABC and the merit shop philosophy, the Trimmer
Construction Education Foundation and the benefits members receive from participating in an
ABC student chapter.
ABOUT ABC
ABC is a national association with 70 chapters representing more than 22,000 merit shop
construction and construction-related firms. ABC represents all specialties within the
construction industry, but is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and
commercial sectors. Through its national office and chapters, ABC provides support for industry-
wide issues. ABC promotes government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce
development, communication, technology, award recognition, employee benefits, and
information on best practices and business development for contractors.
ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore to create an association
based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most
qualified and responsible low bidders. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop
philosophy spread rapidly, and ABC eventually became the fastest-growing association in the
United States. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing
America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.
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MISSION
ABC will continually strive to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the
construction industry. ABC will promote and defend the merit shop philosophy. This philosophy
encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach to construction based solely on
merit, regardless of labor affiliation.
VISION
The vision of ABC is an environment in which people and companies succeed based on free-
enterprise principles within the free-market system.
CORE VALUES
ABC values economic freedom within a free-market economy, with open and fair competition
and diverse participants constantly striving to achieve the highest levels of personal and
company performance.
ABC values the highest levels of personal and corporate standards of behavior characterized by
responsibility and integrity, with demonstrated personal and industry professionalism by all
participants.
CORE PURPOSE
The core purpose of ABC is to advance and defend the principles of the merit shop in the
construction industry and to provide members and their employees with an opportunity to
succeed.
ABC CODE OF ETHICS
Members of ABC will strive to achieve the following principles in the conduct of their businesses:
• Maintain a standard of performance that meets the owner’s expectations and
fulfills the contractor’s obligations.
• Quote only realistic prices and completion dates and perform accordingly.
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• Cooperate to the fullest extent with the architect and/or engineer, and other
agents of the owner toward fulfillment of a common goal.
• Solicit quotations only from firms with whom they are willing to do business.
• Make all payments promptly within the terms of the contract.
• Observe and foster the highest standards of safety and working conditions.
• Establish realistic wage schedules for employees commensurate with their ability
and industry so they may enjoy the dignity to which they are entitled.
• Actively participate in the training of skilled craft professionals for the future
welfare of the merit shop industry.
ABC ANTITRUST POLICY
Federal laws and many state laws prohibit contracts, combinations, or conspiracies in restraint of
trade and unfair competition.
ABC will not condone, by any means, the entering into or the suggestion of entering into any
arrangements or understandings that restrain trade or competition, or by any collusive acts that
can be interpreted as seeking such ends.
We strongly urge all members to be aware that any such activities violate these laws. We
specifically call attention to unlawful practices such as the following:
• Boycotting of firms or products through management agreements.
• “Courtesy" bidding -- agreeing to price bid to the advantage of any individual firm.
• Agreements to fix wages or prices.
• Promotion of bid depositories with penalties for violations.
• Agreement upon so-called bid preparation fees to be shared among competitive
bidders.
• Agreements to use exclusively any materials, supplies or services.
• Limitation of markets -- to type, geography, size or similar carve-outs.
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• Any agreements to prevent access to markets or supplies.
As an association, we condemn such actions and urge our members to be aware that such
violations not only contravene the basic principles of the Merit Shop espoused by our
Association, but can entail heavy criminal and civil penalties.
PRINCIPLES OF THE MERIT SHOP
ABC is the voice of the merit shop in the construction industry and assumes the responsibility of
making that voice heard. ABC and its chapters believe the merit shop movement is a movement
for the betterment of the individual, the construction industry and the nation.
To read more on the Principles of the Merit Shop, visit: ABC Philosophy.
FORMING A STUDENT CHAPTER
Responsibility for developing, promoting and continuing a student chapter program lies with the
students as well as their faculty advisor. However, the success of a student chapter depends on
the support and enthusiasm of the ABC chapters and member companies. ABC chapters and
members are encouraged to assign staff to administer the program and assist the students with
remaining involved in the construction industry. The program must have the endorsement of,
and a strong commitment from a local ABC chapter or a local ABC member company.
Any accredited college or university with either a 2-year or 4-year Construction Management
degree program is eligible to form an ABC Student Chapter.
To establish a student chapter, a minimum of 2 members, in addition to the Executive
Committee, must be enrolled. Upon receipt of the application for affiliation, member roster and
signed bylaws, a charter will be issued to the student chapter.
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To form a student chapter, the interested students should take the following steps:
Step 1: The interested school much be an accredited college or university with either a 2-
year or 4-year Construction Management degree program
Step 2: Recruit a core group of interested students to join. A minimum of 4 students is
required.
Step 3: Enlist a faculty advisor from the host college/university. (This is a requirement)
Step 4: Contact ABC National to find a local ABC chapter or member company to sponsor
your student chapter. (This is a requirement)
Step 5: Complete Application for Affiliation
Step 6: Complete the student member roster
Step 7: Read and sign the ABC Student Chapter Bylaws
Step 8: Submit the Application for Affiliation, member roster and signed bylaws to ABC
National for final approval
FACULTY ADVISOR
The faculty advisor is often a part of the construction management or related department. They
help the student chapter with overall direction, goal setting and achievements, and provides
continuity to the organization. Advisors should offer guidance to the student chapter by assisting
with programs in fundraising, school projects, community service, leadership development,
industry involvement, membership recruitment, club meeting enrichment and special projects.
The student chapter should select a faculty advisor with an interest in the organization and its
programs.
SPONSORING CHAPTER OR COMPANY
To form a student chapter, an ABC chapter or member company must sponsor the organization.
To find a sponsor, a list of ABC chapters can be found using the Chapter Locator.
If there is not a chapter located near the university or college, or the chapter is unavailable, staff
at ABC National can also direct you to member companies within the area.
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The sponsoring ABC chapter or company is available to assist members of the student chapters
with planning meetings; site visits and outings; fundraising activities; and arranging for industry
speakers. Invitations to regular ABC chapter meetings generally are extended to the student
chapter membership to allow students to informally meet with industry representatives. The
ABC chapter and member companies can be instrumental in helping to secure employment
opportunities and some ABC chapters assist with fundraising events within their membership for
the student chapter.
MEBERSHIP BENEFITS
As a member of an ABC student chapter, students are given the opportunity to become more
knowledgeable about the construction industry while learning the importance of the merit shop
philosophy and free-enterprise. Involvement in the student chapter provides interaction with
ABC National and chapter staff, member contractors, faculty and staff, and students with similar
interests and career goals.
Members of the student chapter are entitled to special services and benefits offered by ABC
including the following:
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPETITION
ABC's Construction Management Competition (CMC) is a hallmark competition that promotes
careers in construction management. The competition is sponsored in part by the Trimmer
Construction Education Foundation (TCEF) and ABC members. This annual competition will be
held during ABC’s Leadership Week in November, 2017 then again in March 2018 at ABC’s
Convention.
In addition to providing a significant learning opportunity, the competition fosters an
environment that will bring out the best in each team; encourage dialogue among the students;
and foster the team spirit as students rise to meet this challenge. The Construction Management
Competition is designed to challenge construction knowledge, organization, time management,
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and presentation skills. Come prepared to have fun, challenge other students, and demonstrate
your ability to think on your feet.
STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Student Chapter of the Year award recognizes an outstanding ABC student chapter for
accomplishments in programming, community service, communications/public relations, and
interaction with its local ABC chapter during the academic year.
The winning student chapter receives the following:
• Cash prize ($2,000)
• (2) registrations to ABC’s Legislative Week including airfare and hotel expenses
(See more on page 15)
• Article in ABC Nationals publications
NETWORKING
ABC represents more than 22,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms which
ABC student chapter members will have the opportunity to network with on a local and national
level. At ABC National events and ABC chapter outings, students will be able to discuss industry
trends and learn from some of the top leaders in the business.
ABC chapters often include their affiliated student chapter in events such as golf outings,
monthly meetings, industry speakers and community outreach events.
ACCESS TO ABC CONSTRUCTION PUBLICATIONS
Students who participate in an ABC Student Chapter will receive online access to Construction
Executive magazine and ABC’s newsletter, Newsline.
ABC Newsline
Newsline is ABC’s weekly electronic publication, highlighting merit shop news and
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information, including legislative, regulatory, political and legal updates, in addition to
member activity nationwide. To sign up for this publication, visit Newsline.
Construction Executive
Construction Executive, ABC’s award-winning monthly publication, reaches more than
50,000 top management decision makers in U.S. construction and construction-related
industries. The magazine is available free to ABC student chapters upon request. Please
visit, Construction Executive, to sign up for the print or digital edition.
ABC ON SOCIAL MEDIA
LinkedIn and ABC National's Young Professionals LinkedIn Group
YouTube
MEETING TIPS AND GUIDELINES
Student chapters should meet at minimum bi-monthly to plan community service projects,
industry involvement, social activities and fundraisers. This time should also be used to provide
members with guest speakers from the construction industry or other related industries. Below
are suggested topics to follow when conducting a meeting:
• Call to order
• Roll call*
• Updates and reports from committees
• Old and new business
• Scheduled Program
• Adjournment
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Scheduled programming can include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Guest speakers from the local ABC chapter
• Guest speakers from ABC member companies and industry professionals
• Networking hours with other students and faculty
• Workshops including resume building, blueprint reading and other professional
development topics
*Depending on the size of your organization, you may want to have a sign-in sheet passed
around rather than calling names.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, student chapters should organize activities and events for their members
to increase their involvement with the construction industry including, but not limited to, the
following:
Site Visits
ABC student chapters should plan site visits to the offices and construction sites of
member companies near the participating school. Trips can be coordinated by the
student chapter members and/or the local ABC chapter. Visiting construction sites
exposes students to the work environment, including safety aspects and the latest
technological advances in the construction industry.
Community Service Projects
Many ABC student chapters engage in community service work by volunteering their
time and skills to benefit the surrounding community. Service projects can be held solely
by the student chapter or in conjunction with a pre-planned community event. Student
chapters are also encouraged to get involved with the local ABC chapter’s community
outreach efforts.
Get Involved with the Local ABC Chapter
Student chapters should reach out to the nearest ABC chapter to take advantage of their
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industry knowledge. Student chapters might ask the ABC chapter staff to speak at a
meeting on campus or attend the local ABC chapter monthly meetings. Other events and
benefits student chapters should inquire about with the local ABC chapters include
networking events, discounts on safety and management education courses or
opportunities to job shadow chapter staff.
Fundraising
Student chapters rely heavily on fundraising efforts to finance its projects, activities and
travel expenses. While the sponsoring ABC chapter or member company can assist with
fundraising on behalf of students, the student chapter should host fundraising events as
well. If the student chapters need assistance in organizing fundraising events, reaching
out to the sponsoring chapter or company might provide insight to successful ideas.
Additionally, for ideas and best practices, student chapters can contact Haley Moyers.
STUDENT CHAPTER GOALS
Members of the student chapters are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and a major
GPA of 3.0. If a student falls below the average requirement, it is recommended that the chapter
provides assistance in tutoring or holding study sessions following the general meetings. It is
recommended that an academic chair position is created to maintain records of grades and
organize study sessions for those below the required GPA.
In addition to the academic goal listed above, the Executive Committee should create a list of
goals they wish to accomplish throughout the calendar year relating to the following categories:
• Academic
• Industry Involvement
• Community Service and Awards
• Programming and Activities
• Fundraising
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STUDENT CHAPTER OFFICERS
Qualifications & Requirements
• The president must have held a position on the Executive Committee prior to
running for president.
• Vice president must have held an executive or a committee leadership role or
have at least 2 years of experience with the student chapter prior to running for vice
president.
• The Executive Committee members must be at least in their sophomore year at
the participating university or college.
• All Executive Committee members must be enrolled full-time at the participating
university or college.
• Either the president or the vice president must be present at every student
chapter meeting
• All Executive Committee members must be present at a minimum of one meeting
per month
Titles and Duties
The Executive Committee consists of the president, the vice president, the secretary, the
treasurer, and the ABC ambassador.
President
The president is the presiding officer at all meetings and has the authority to call special
meetings. The president and vice presidents work together to establish committees as required
for the organization to function properly. When necessary, the president has the authority to
delegate official responsibilities to the vice presidents.
The President shall:
• Preside at all meetings of the organization and the Executive Committee;
• Act upon the business of the executive committee by appointing committees and
committee chairmen;
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• Be an ex-officio member of all committees;
• Delegate official responsibility to the Vice President as necessary; and
• Keep one copy of business and activity transactions including meeting minutes
and activity planning, execution and control documents.
Vice President
In the absence of the president, a vice president shall be the presiding officer.
The Vice President shall:
• Preside over meetings of the general assembly and the executive committee in
the absence of the president;
• Be an ex-officio member of all committees;
• Monitor and reports the progress of committees to the executive committee.
• Ensure that all activities are being run according to the bylaws;
• Ensure that the appropriate membership total is present to vote on changes
regarding dues, bylaws, etc.; and
• Ensure checks and balances system on all decisions made by the group.
Secretary
The secretary is responsible for keeping all official records, minutes and documents for the
organization. Copies of minutes from the meetings should be forwarded to all student members
and the faculty advisor at the end of the meeting. Upon request, minutes should be sent to the
sponsoring chapter or company.
The Secretary shall:
• Prepare and maintain, in coordination with the Treasurer, a list of all active and
inactive members;
• Record the proceedings of all meetings of the general assembly and the executive
committee;
• Maintain a current copy of the Bylaws;
• Prepare and post notices of meetings;
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• Provide the ABC Ambassador with necessary documents and information which
should be passed along to the ABC local chapter and ABC National. This includes, but is
not limited to, copies of business transactions, notice of general meetings, request for
information and letters of thanks;
• Maintain a file of all written documents such as arise in the normal course of the
chapter’s operation; and
• Perform any other duties pertaining to the office.
Treasurer
The treasurer is responsible for handling all money associated with the operation of the
organization, including the collection of dues, recording income from fundraising, the payment
of all debts, purchases and the maintenance of all financial records.
The Treasurer shall:
• Provide the executive committee with a list of inactive members.
• Prepare and maintain all financial records of the chapter in compliance with
university or college regulations, which shall include, but not be limited to an accurate
record of receipts and disbursements of the funds of the chapter.
• Issue membership cards and pins, if applicable.
• Disburse funds as authorized by the executive committee.
• Deposit receipts from membership dues, grants, and fund raising activities.
• Report on the state of the chapter finances to the general assembly.
• Submit a detailed accounting of financial transactions for audit and review at the
end of the chapter year.
• Prepare an operating budget for the coming chapter year for review by the
executive committee.
ABC Ambassador
This position will be responsible for being the liaison between the student chapter and the
sponsoring chapter or company as well as with ABC National.
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The ABC Ambassador shall:
• Be the main point of contact for outreach to the sponsoring chapter or company,
guest speakers, networking events etc.
• Be responsible for submitting forms and questions to ABC National.
• Be responsible for outreach to ABC National or local chapter for guidance,
involvement in events etc.
• Contact the local ABC chapter to obtain current legislative news and updates
• Keep the sponsoring ABC chapter or company informed of the student chapter’s
goals and activities.
Additional Leadership Positions & Committees
In addition to the five Executive Committee positions, Student Chapters can assign or vote for
the following positions and/or committees to be filled:
Historian
Responsible for maintaining a record of chapter activities that are not a part of the business
documents including slides, photographs & videotapes of chapter activities, news articles,
posters, and any documentation that reveals the activities of the chapter.
Academic Chair
The student who holds the scholarship chair will be in charge of collecting members’ grades at
the beginning of each semester and keep track of which students fall below the required GPAs.
This position will lead study sessions for members and keep them up-to-date on scholarship
opportunities. This position will also lead a committee if applying to the Student Chapter of the
Year award.
Community Service Chair
This community service chair should work with a committee to plan and execute community
service projects with the chapter members, other students, the local ABC chapter and member
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companies.
Fundraising Chair
The fundraising chair should focus on raising funds for chapter expenses and travel expenses.
The chair can form a committee to assist in creating a relationship with the sponsoring chapter in
order to gain their support and guidance on best practices.
Programming Chair
This officer should plan events and social activities to recruit new members and to create
relationships with other student organizations.
AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS
Construction Management Competition (CMC)
This annual competition offers student chapter members an opportunity to demonstrate
knowledge, skill and aptitude in solving a construction problem involving actual field challenges.
In addition to estimating, scheduling, safety, and quality control each competition also features
a focused component, such as dispute resolution. The competition is open to all undergraduate
members of ABC student chapters. Students participate in teams of four, with no more than one
team representing any one college or university. First prize is awarded to a team in each
category. An overall Construction Management Champion prize is awarded to the team that
accumulates the most points in the four combined areas. For more information, please visit
Construction Management Competition.
Student Chapter of the Year Award
This annual award recognizes an outstanding ABC student chapter. The winning student chapter
will receive a cash prize along with two free registrations to ABC’s Legislative Week held in June
in Washington, D.C. Round-trip airfare and hotel expenses will also be covered. All student
chapters are invited to participate in the conference at the regular attendee rate. Winners are
announced at ABC’s annual Convention.
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Applications typically are due a month before the conference. For more information, please visit
Student Chapter of the Year.
CURRENT STUDENT CHAPTER ROSTER
Auburn University
Brigham Young University
California State University- Fresno
California State University - Long Beach
Clemson University
Colorado State University
East Carolina University
Ferris State University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida International University
Kennesaw State University
Kent State University
Lamar University
Louisiana State University
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Missouri State University
Montgomery College
North Carolina A&T State University
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Purdue University
Texas A&M University - College Station
Texas State University - San Marcos
The Ohio State University
Tuskegee University
University of Alabama
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Florida
University of Houston
University of Maine
University of North Florida
University of Northern Iowa
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
University of Texas at San Antonio
University of Wisconsin - Platteville
University of Wisconsin - Stout
ABC NATIONAL STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions or concerns, please contact Haley Moyers at [email protected] or (202) 595-1974.